DVD Review: Monsters Inc. (B+)

Monsters, Inc.
Directed by Pete Docter, David Silverman and Lee Unkrich
Featuring the voices of Billy Crystal, John Goodman, Steve Buscemi and Mary Gibbs
MPAA: G
Grade: B+

Review by Scott Standish

The incredible rise, fall and rise again of Steve Jobs is one story that as a loyal Mac user I find quite inspiring. However, when history writes the final chapter on the moody man behind Apple Computer let's hope that they don't forget the Pixar story.

Although Jobs does not direct (or even produce) the films that Pixar makes, as CEO and driving force behind the company his track record is impeccable. We are talking about a film studio that entered the Disney dominated market of animated feature film production, and then blew them out of the water. Let's take a look at the track record: Toy Story, Toy Story 2, A Bug's Life, and now Monsters Inc. It's amazing but true: Pixar is still undefeated.

Monsters Inc. is one of those children's movies that is completely charming to the kids in the house, yet has just enough intelligence to keep the adults interested. Handling both of these tasks capably is not easy and most animated tales lean too far one way or the other. This usually leaves one side of the generation gap feeling bored or annoyed. Monsters Inc. takes care of everybody.

As you probably have heard, Monsters Inc. tells the story of a world of monsters, that need the energy produced by screaming children to fuel their world. I know this sounds Tim Burton-esque but it is handled in a much lighter fashion. The top producers of screams from little children is Sulley, the furry bear like monster voiced by John Goodman. His partner, the short creature with a body made from one big eyeball is voiced by Billy Crystal. Crystal and Goodman have a great chemistry here and the result is a likable, very laughable children's story with a lot of heart. The basic plot twist revolves around a very cute young child entering the monster's world (Monstropolis) where they are strictly forbidden. There is a lot of running around, hiding and such, and let's face it, that's about as complex as a film like this can get and still be understandable to the kids.

Perhaps the most amazing thing about Monsters Inc. is the quality of the computer generated animation. It's stunning. The tiny wisps of fur blowing on Sulleys coat are incredible, and the action sequences have such rich detail, that it borders on surreal.

Monsters Inc. is a charming children's tale with enough wit and action to keep adults entertained. Highly recommended.

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